Spinal Tap and IV Therapy

Well, I saw my Dr. yesterday after about 3 months of doxycycline therapy and due to my fatigue and worst symptoms being neck pain, stiffness, paresthesia, back pain, wrist pain, hands and feet swelling he thinks that I might have the acute neuroborreliosis (mid-late stage) and the only way of getting a good clear diagnosis that insurance would possibly cover going to IV therapy of Rocephin (at home) would be to have a spinal tap. He informed me of the many risks involved here and between this invasive procedure and having a pick line put in etc. I'm really confused as to what is best for me. My other option at this point would be to add other abx such as Flagyl which attacks the spores? the other thing he said is that oral abx won't penetrate the lining of the brain and nervous system like IV would. Mind you that he constantly (can't remember how to spell) reminds me that he is just a rooky and not a LLMD and is only making suggestions based on his research. Where can I find more information about this? and please !!!

I need someone to talk to, I feel like I'm fighting this battle alone even though I have his support to a degree, he doesn't get it.
Love and Hugs to all of you ;-/

Before you go and have a spinal tap done. You need to call your insurance and see IF they will cover IV at home.

And to let you know...Rocephin is one of the worse for your organs. I just about had to have my gallbladder taken out cause of it.

From doing a spinal tap myself and from reading about others having it done. They are not good for looking for lyme. I can't rememeber the percent of negatives but it is way high.
I had a really really hard time after the spinal tap.

You truly need to see a doctor that is a specialist in Lyme and co-infections such as babesia, bartonella...ect ect...
You say this guy is a rooky, well, it is great he wants to try to treat you. But doing a spinal tap is not a good idea. From what I hear true LLMD's say steer clear of them.

From where you are sitting you can find a Lyme Support Group in your city, county, state ...contact them...and see whom they recommend. Read the threads above, How to share doctors names, and Lyme Newbies.

Majority of Lyme Literate Medical Doctors, (LLMD's) do not take insurance. So it will be out of pocket. But well worth it. And most people have to drive hours or fly to the nearest LLMD.

I think it is great that your hubby is trying to understand. Couple hours of reading is more than my last husband did...